Welcome to UTR Media’s New & Notable for November 2024 covering releases from October 26 to November 22. There has been an abundance of outstanding music released so far in 2024 by artists devoted to making music that impacts lives and we are thankful for all of them. Your emails sent to utrsubmissions@gmail.com really help us to know about new and important music. Keep them coming.

ALBUMS & EPs

Longing for the Garden – Emily McCoy

Longing is a strong feeling of need and we get a true sense of that on this beautiful album. Emily McCoy’s vocals are superb and her songwriting is exquisite. Add the excellent arrangements and quality musicians like Greg Tardy on saxophone and husband Andrew McCoy on guitar and it would be hard to produce a better record.  SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

Songs From The Richest Man In The World — Ben Rector

One of pop music’s best songwriters (and 2024 Dove Award winner) Ben Rector returns with this 3-song EP with his signature style of lighthearted and sincere sentimentality. Let’s hope this is a precursor to a full-length album in 2025. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

For All the Saints – Fernando Ortega

Fernando Ortega’s first release in four years is meticulously recorded as is his custom. Consisting of five original hymns meant for congregational singing, they have a timeless yet modern quality lyrically and musically. We are always blessed by music from Ortega and this is no exception. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

Duality – Caleb McCoy

Bostonian rapper Caleb McCoy stays true to his OAK (one-of-a-kind) sound in this new concept album. Every two songs are presented as a duality (Joy/Just Grieve, Scarcity/Abundance) as McCoy acknowledges the complexities of life we often have to hold at the same time while living a real life of faith. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

Waiting Here For You – Ivan Theva

Ivan’s distinctive & captivating voice pairs well with the rock & roll and the melancholy music on his new EP Waiting Here for You. A relative newcomer, Ivan gets better with each release. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

lockdown demos 2021 – Damares Gomes

Producing her latest collection of singles herself, Gomes shares her heart for God through words and sounds that are steady, gentle, and soaked with an indie atmosphere. The songs are worshipful, unique, and a delight for reflective listening. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

Elder – Chris Shackleton

Even though it was made with a humble budget, this album had a big-dollar sound. You’ll hear shades of Coldplay, Delirious, and Vance Joy, as Shackleton sings about navigating life’s hardships while holding firmly to faith. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

The Prodigal (Deluxe) – Josiah Queen

After skyrocketing in popularity since releasing his debut album in May, Queen’s deluxe version of The Prodigal is more than repackaged pop. Filled with new tracks, a reshuffled track listing, and collaborations with Jervis Campbell, Henrik, and Strings and Heart, this is the future of Christian pop at its finest. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

Liberated  – Joshua Luke Smith

This UK-based artist is doing something spectacular in Christian music, seamlessly blending hip-hop, gospel, blues, and spoken word into a unique listening experience. Featuring collaborations with John Mark McMillan, Praise Lubangu, and many more, Liberated is a sacred collection of prayers, laments, and confessions. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

What If This Was Goodbye?  – Jettee

Jett Foreman recently relocated from San Diego to Nashville, and if this EP is anything to go by, he will carry his angsty surf rock sound with him. What If This Was Goodbye? is blatantly and poetically honest, whimsical, and nostalgic. Look out for quirky riffs, epic hooks, and heartwarming stories about growing up. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

The Space Between – Sencha

UK artist Jonathan Ogden, from Rivers and Robots, brings us his cinematic instrumental album of beats and flowing electronic music under the artist name Sencha. Perfect for listening to while working, studying, or reading, this is beautiful without being distracting. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK BANDCAMP_LINK

The Lonely Tiger – John Lee

Amid all the busyness of holidays, enjoy the tranquility of John Lee’s instrumental lo-fi beats EP, The Lonely Tiger. Calming and soothing, this may be just what you need right now. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK BANDCAMP_LINK

SINGLES

“High Seas” – Drew Holcomb and the Neighbours and Ellie Holcomb

This rolling ballad is infused with the honesty we expect from the Holcombs, yet in this Americana duet they dig deep into their own love story and struggles. If this is a taste of their upcoming album Memory Bank, we have a lot to look forward to. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

“helene” – Christian Singleton, Ben Lawrence

This song was written amid the horrific Hurricane Helene when both of their homes flooded and they were without power, water, and food for days. This makes real what experiencing this type of devastation is like and it appears all you have is each other. They want this song to be a reminder to stay close to loved ones and not take the small things for granted  SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

“Take Care of You” – Teddy Obot

A favorite feel-good song for fall, Obot talks about real love that never fails over a smooth track that just won’t quit. It’s an easy song to keep on repeat from an indie artist that deserves much more attention. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

MORE NEW MUSIC WE RECOMMEND

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Albums/EPs

Singles